News
Jessica Oji Sends Strong Commonwealth Games Message After Hailing Team Nigeria’s World-Class Camp
Nigeria’s national shot-put record holder Jessica Oji has praised Team Nigeria’s final training camp ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, describing it as one of the best preparation environments she has experienced in her athletics career.
The British-born thrower, who switched her international allegiance to Nigeria in 2025, said the quality of the facilities, accommodation and overall organisation has given athletes every opportunity to prepare at the highest level before the Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Oji is one of the newest additions to Team Nigeria’s athletics squad and is expected to strengthen the country’s medal prospects in the women’s shot put after setting a new Nigerian national record shortly after making the switch.
“The facilities and accommodation have been excellent. Everything has been put in place for us to prepare properly, and it’s one of the best camps I’ve experienced,” Oji said.
The 24-year-old expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for creating a professional environment that allows athletes to focus entirely on their performances rather than off-field challenges.
Rather than setting specific expectations for the competition, Oji said her priority is to deliver her best performance when the event begins.
“I’m not putting any pressure on myself with targets. My focus is to compete at my best, and if I do that, hopefully it will be enough to win a medal for Team Nigeria,” she added.
Since choosing to represent Nigeria, Oji has quickly established herself as one of the country’s leading field athletes, bringing valuable international experience and strengthening Team Nigeria’s ambitions ahead of major championships.
The shot putter is expected to make her Commonwealth Games debut later this month, where she will be aiming to build on her recent progress and contribute to Team Nigeria’s medal campaign in Glasgow.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for calm and unity amid the growing crisis within world football’s governing body, insisting that the FIFA presidential election in March 2027 should provide the appropriate platform for members to determine the organisation’s direction.
Speaking in Salzburg around the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the current disagreements should not descend into prolonged internal conflict, urging all sides to respect FIFA’s electoral and governance processes.
Read Also: ‘Africa Must Protect Its Interests’ — CAF’s Lux September Speaks on FIFA Crisis | Sports247 Nigeria
FIFA’s 211 member associations are expected to decide the organisation’s leadership at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Current president Gianni Infantino is seeking another term.
Motsepe maintained that the election should allow the various candidates and member associations to make their positions clear through the established democratic process rather than through continued public confrontation.
The CAF president also reiterated his support for Infantino, describing him as a leader who has shown commitment to African football.
“Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa and has shown a deep commitment to African development and growth.”
His comments come amid a major dispute over FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise, which involved plans for private investment in FIFA competitions and triggered strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after widespread criticism over transparency and the consultation process.
Motsepe said the current situation should instead encourage dialogue, cooperation and respect for due process.
Africa’s position could be particularly influential at the election because CAF’s 54 member associations represent the second-largest voting bloc in FIFA, behind UEFA’s 55.
With the FIFA presidential contest approaching, Motsepe’s position keeps CAF firmly aligned behind Infantino while other confederations continue to demand changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance.
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